Cerebrovascular Dysregulation in Chronic Kidney Disease

Cerebrovascular Dysregulation in Chronic Kidney Disease

The purpose of this study is to test whether or not regular exercise training may improve brain blood flow regulation in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Prior research has shown that CKD patients have an increased risk of stroke and that impairments in brain blood flow regulation predict stroke in other chronic disease states. This study will test whether exercise training can improve brain blood flow regulation via improved dynamic cerebral autoregulation and cerebrovascular carbon dioxide reactivity in CKD. Participants will undergo exercise training on a stationary bicycle, or stretching exercises, 3 times per week for 12 weeks.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Individuals with chronic kidney disease stages III-IV.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Heart failure
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Uncontrolled hypertension or hypotension
• Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant
• Inability to exercise on a stationary bicycle
• Current participation in exercise more than 20 minutes twice per week